The BMW 528i Overview
When it comes to premium mid-size sedans, the competition is intense. The BMW 5 Series has remained a leader in this segment even in its 7th year of its various life cycles. The introduction of the stylish all-new MY11 5 Series is no different. Combining athletic good looks, superb driving dynamics, and innovative comfort and safety features into an executive express that promises once again, the BMW 5 Series is the one to beat.

The Infiniti M37 Overview

The M37 is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque, and is mated exclusively to a 7-speed automatic. Infiniti does not publish a 0 – 60 mph time, but Road & Track estimates a six-second sprint, placing it a half-second ahead of the 528i. However, peak torque in the M37 is available at 5200 rpm, double the 528i's 2600 rpm threshold.

The M has also been historically plagued by criticism for its harsh ride quality. Early reports suggested Infiniti has done a good job in designing a sharper and smoother suspension for 2011. Equal strides were not made, however, with respect to weight balance, with the M37 suffering from a 54-percent front bias. The extra 308 lbs. on the front axle leads to "dive" under heavy braking, coupled with a greater propensity for understeer.

Performance and safety buyers will also note that brake rotors on the 528i are more than an inch larger at every corner, with braking performance being further enhanced by the standard Brake Drying and Brake Fade Compensation systems – neither of which is available on the M.

BMW vs. Infiniti

 

What BMW offers…

• BMW's Twin Powered Turbo 3.0 Liter Inline 6 produces 230 horse power and 270 lb-ft of torque.
• The 5 Series 8-speed automatic also provides a wider range of gear ratios, which will likely give the BMW better response in daily driving.
• The 528i achieves a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds.
• BMW includes larger, ventilated front and rear brakes: 14.7-inch front with 14.6-inch rear. The 5 Series also uses composite aluminum/cast iron rotors, which are much lighter than conventional cast-iron.
• The 5 Series includes standard Dynamic Stability Control, which provides many driving functions that the Lexus GS 350 does not. (Brake Stand By, Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Energy Regeneration)
• The 528i's Logic7 premium sound system includes 600-watts channeled through 16 speakers.
• BMW's latest-generation iDrive offers a completely revised, highly intuitive interface, 7-inch color monitor, Programmable Memory Keys and quick-access buttons.
• BMW's optional navigation adds an 80 GB hard disc with 12 GB music memory, 10.2-inch display, Real Time Traffic Info, CD-ripping capability, MyInfo and BMW Search.
• The BMW features an exhaustive list of luxury options that are unavailable on the GS including New Full Color Head-Up Display, Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, 4-zone climate control, Side & Top View Cameras, Driving Dynamics Control, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beams, Parking Assistant, and heated rear seats and steering wheel.
• The 528i offers standard Run-flat tires, adaptive headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
• The Driver Assistance Package includes Lane Departure and Blind Spot Warning plus High Beam Assistant.
• The optional Side View Camera provides an accurate, wide-angle view of approaching traffic on busy cross streets.
• BMW's Head-up Display places a customized, virtual instrument panel directly in the driver's line of sight.
• BMW's 4 year/50,000-mile warranty includes Full Maintenance and Roadside Assistance
• BMW includes a 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

What Infiniti doesn’t…

• The Infiniti M37 is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque.
• Peak torque in the M37 is available at 5200 rpm, double the 528i's 2600 rpm threshold.
• The brake rotors on the 528i are more than an inch larger at every corner, with braking performance being further enhanced by the standard Brake Drying and Brake Fade Compensation systems – neither of which is available on the M. The 528i also includes standard Brake Stand-by, which is only included in the M' Technology package. A BMW Assist-type feature is not available on the M37.
• The standard central controller is positioned high on the dash panel rather than where the hand naturally rests when driving.
• The trunk capacity is larger in the 528i (18.4 vs. 14.9).
• The Technology Package adds Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop & go functionality, adaptive headlights, Land Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Warning, among other items. Both the Lane Departure Warning and the Blind Spot Warning systems are innovative in that they lightly apply the brakes on the outer two wheels to "pull" the car back into its respective lane and away from danger.
• Infiniti offers neither complimentary maintenance, nor a pre-paid maintenance of any kind. As such, Edmunds.com stipulates it costs $22.58 / month (x36 months) to maintain the car. And while BMW recommends maintenance at roughly 15,000 miles or 12-month intervals, Infiniti recommends nearly double the number of service visits (every 7,500 miles or 6-months).

Don't settle for the ordinary, drive something extraordinary. Expect the ultimate in performance and service by purchasing a BMW.

Visit Irvine BMW today, where we provide premiere customer service, high quality BMW vehicles and products, along with factory-trained technicians.

We look forward to seeing you soon, Irvine BMW of Orange County.

"... The great 5 Series cars of the past have offered almost as much luxury as the 7 Series but at a more manageable and sportier size.

This latest iteration may have gained some weight, but it has also gained in refinement.

And, despite the added mass, the sporty dynamics that have made the 5 Series the sports car of its segment remain intact." Car and Driver

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.